James and I met in the fall of 2021 at the University of Mary Washington when we had a Vernacular Architecture class together as part of our Historic Preservation degree. Both of us were reserved, especially James, so we never had a full conversation until the next semester when I saw James sitting in the hallway after class. I was trying to make friends and be sociable so I went up and started a conversation with him. Within five minutes, James asked if I wanted to have supper that night. We tried dating for a little while but decided we wanted to be friends first to get to know each other better. We instantly had so many things in common: we were both from the Shenandoah Valley area, identical twins, devout Christians, studying historic preservation, and loved reading. As friends we went on walks and James would give me tours around Fredericksburg.

We started dating again in November of 2022 and our first date was going to Colonial Williamsburg. It was the best date because of the beautiful sunny day and dinner at the King's Arms. Ever since, we have been very joyful in our relationship. Our senior year was full of memories and friends until we graduated in May 2023. We both were blessed with jobs in our niche field right after we finished school, James at Manassass Battlefield and I stayed in Fredericksburg.

We started marriage preparation with the Catholic church, St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception in Fredericksburg, in the fall of 2023. James was not really excited about it, but I was at least intrigued to learn something new. We met with our priest, Father Robert Renner, who is a UMW alum. James and I liked him immediately because of his genuineness and enthusiasm. We had to also meet with a marriage couple who guides young couples in their journey to marriage. They held a mandatory retreat at the parish for an entire weekend for engaged couples that absolutely cemented the love in our relationship more than we thought possible. Ever since this time together, James has had a conversion of heart and we both have grown in our Catholic faith and love towards God our savior. Fully realizing that our sacrament of marriage is a covenant between three persons has changed our daily life. We can not wait to get married and have all of you celebrate with us!

Lydia and James